Combination level, square, and tape-measure.



R. L. DARTER. COMBINATION LEVEL, SQUARE, AND TAPE MEASURE. APPLICATION FILED JUNE 26, 1907.

913,703. Patented Mar. 2, 1909.

ROBERT L. DARTER, OF MURPHYSBORO, ILLINOIS.

COMBINATION LEVEL, SQUARE, AND TAPE -MEA'SURE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented March 2, 1909.

Application filed June 26, 1907. Serial No. 380,898.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ROBERT L. DARTER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Murphysboro, in the county of Jackson and State of Illinois, have invented a new and useful Improvement in a Combination Level, Square, and Tape-Measure, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to combination level, square and tape-measure, the object being to provide a level with a square at one end, a tape measure at the other so that the level can be used as a square when desired, and so that the tape measure will always be at hand when it is desired to measure any distance or material.

Another object of my invention is to provide very novel means for folding the square blade, so that it will be out of the way when not in use.

Another object of my invention is to mount the tape-measure on a spring actuated shaft so that after it has been used, it will be re-wound.

With these and other objects in view, the invention consists in the novel features of construction, combination and arrangement of parts, hereinafter fully described, and pointed out in the claims.

In the drawing forming a part of this specification:Figure 1 is a side elevational view of my improved instrument. Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the same. Fig. 3 is an inverted plan view of the same. Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the blade moved in position to be used. Fig. 5 is an end view of the instrument, showing the notch in the end of the blade of the square. Fig. 6 is a section taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 1.

In the drawings A indicates an oblong stock having a semi-circular opening A formed therein, the straight edge of which runs transversely of the stock and communicates with a bore extending out through one edge of the stock, in which is inserted a vial B containing liquid forming a spirit level. The vial is secured in place by a plate 0 which is secured over a semi-circular notch formed in one edge of the stock, which is provided with oppositely disposed recesses, in which is secured avial D containing liquid. The plate being provided with a slot over the I vial so that the bubble in the same can be readily seen from above as well as the side.

A concaved recess is formed in one end of the stock having a slot formed in its bottom which communicates with a circular opening in the stock which is surrounded by recesses on its sides, in which are secured circular plates E provided with central openings, in which is mounted an axle E to which is secured coiled spring E the end of which is secured to the adjacent plate. Mounted on the axle, to one side of the spring, is a graduated tape F which extends out through the slot and is provided with a ring F which fits in the concaved recess, and by means of which the tape is drawn out. A brass strip is secured over the end of the stock and side edges, provided with an opening registering with t e concaved recess. This strip reinforces the end of the stock, and prevents the edges from becoming chipped or cracked. The other end of the stock is bifurcated and slotted on one of the side edges, in which is mounted ablade Gr provided with an elongated opening G which is mounted on a pin I, extending through the walls of the bifurcation, which allows the blade to swing freely on the same. Secured over the end is a bifurcated cap H which is provided with notches registering with notches formed in the adjacent faces of the bifurcated ends of the stock, in which rests the notched end G of the blade G and by means of which the blade is swung outwardly by inserting the finger into the same. After the blade has been swung outwardly, it is forced backwardly until it rests on the shoulder A which prevents it from swinging and holds it at right angles to the edge of the stock forming a square.

From the foregoing description it will be readily seen that the blade can be swung into the slot out of the way, when desired, and the instrument used a level.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is The combination with a stock provided with a bifurcated end and having a slotted side communicating with the bifurcation, the ends of said bifurcated walls being recessed, a shoulder formed by said bifurcation and slot, a pin extending through the walls of the bifurcation, a blade provided with an swung outwardly by inserting the finger into elongated. opening mounted onsaid pin, and the slot and pushing backwardly. 7 adapted to engage said shoulder for holding r ROBERT L DARTER it at right angles to the stock, and a notch formed in the end of the blade adapted to Vvitnessesf register with the recess when the blade is ROBERT SMITH, swung into the slot so that the blade can be RoBT. P. MARTIN. 

